Modular Space Unit Frame with Air Gap Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular space units for working areas face challenges in providing effective noise insulation, flexible layout, and cost-effectiveness, especially in noisy public spaces, as they require complex construction and high structural demands for improved soundproofing and connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A modular space unit design featuring a rectangular frame with a laminated glass pane and an insulating panel forming an air gap, mounted with hidden fasteners and seals, allowing for adjustable soundproofing and easy assembly/disassembly, using a single frame for various functionalities and appearances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular movable space units are used to provide flexible layout and easy setup, then adaptability and ease of manufacture are improved, but sound insulation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout flexibilityVSAvoidnoise insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where multiple functional layers are integrated within the modular wall unit: glass panes are mounted within the frame at distances from the planes, insulating panels are positioned behind the glass, and air gaps are formed between these layers. This nesting arrangement allows each component to contribute to sound insulation while maintaining the overall modular flexibility for easy assembly and reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular unit employs composite construction combining multiple materials with different acoustic properties: glass panes for transparency and structural integrity, insulating panels (such as foam or mineral wool) for sound absorption, and air gaps as acoustic barriers. This composite approach achieves effective noise insulation while preserving the lightweight, modular characteristics needed for flexible deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If structural demands of modular unit are increased to meet demands for noise insulation and connections, then sound proofing performance is improved, but device complexity and construction difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise insulationVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall structure is segmented into standardized modular units, each containing pre-integrated sound insulation components (glass panes, insulating panels, air gaps). This segmentation allows complex acoustic performance to be achieved through simple repetition of standardized modules, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining high sound insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional requirements are merged into a single integrated modular unit: the frame structure, glass pane mounting, insulating panel installation, and air gap formation are combined into one cohesive assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate construction steps for each function, simplifying the overall construction process while achieving comprehensive sound proofing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If modular unit construction is simplified to keep costs affordable, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sound insulation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidnoise insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Sound insulation components (glass panes, insulating panels, sealing elements) are pre-assembled and pre-positioned within the modular frame units during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures proper spacing and alignment of acoustic layers without requiring complex on-site construction, maintaining both construction simplicity and high sound insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs cost-effective materials such as standard laminated glass, common insulating panels (foam or mineral wool), and simple sealing elements that can be easily replaced. These affordable components achieve sufficient sound insulation for their intended applications while keeping the modular units economically viable for widespread deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides high sound insulation and flexibility in layout, enabling quick setup and reconfiguration of space units while maintaining affordability and simplicity in construction, supporting various functional spaces with enhanced noise reduction.

Implementation Method 1

an air gap is formed between the glass pane and the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

providing sound proofed space for working or meetings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound insulation: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 3

a glass pane of laminated glass mounted in the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4424943A1Frame module and space unit made of the modules
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 OCTACELL OY
  • EP4424943A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4424943A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4424943A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A module for building a space unit, comprising a rectangular frame (1) made of frame elements (2, 3) and forming the edges of the module and defining two opposite planar planes. A glass pane (4) is mounted in the frame (19) at a distance from at least one of the planar planes and extending over an opening formed by the frame (1). Further, there is a panel (9) mounted on the frame (1) at a distance from the glass pane (4) so that an air gap (10) is formed between the glass pane (4) and the panel (9) and extending over the opening formed by the frame (1).